In April 1996, Uganda severed diplomatic ties with Sudan, expelling several diplomats over accusations of supporting rebels and a suspected plot to assassinate President Museveni.
Thirty-one years ago, Uganda took the drastic step of severing diplomatic relations with Sudan, a move fueled by a bitter political dispute and grave concerns for President Yoweri Museveni’s personal safety.
The decision came amid escalating tensions, with both nations accusing each other of backing rebel groups.
Uganda alleged that Sudan was providing military training, arms, and uniforms to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Conversely, Khartoum accused Kampala of supporting the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in its fight for South Sudan’s independence, which was eventually achieved in 2011.
The immediate trigger for severing ties was reportedly the Sudanese diplomats’ refusal to surrender a cache of arms. A subsequent raid on the military attaché’s home by Ugandan security forces was described by Sudan News Agency as a violation of diplomatic protocols.
Kenya News Agency reported that Uganda had ordered 11 Sudanese diplomats to leave, with four given 48 hours and the rest 14 days to depart. This action aimed to equalize the number of officials at both embassies.
However, reports later suggested that the alleged arms cache was a smokescreen. The Indian Ocean Newsletter, as reported by The Monitor in May 1995, indicated that President Museveni had become convinced Khartoum was plotting his assassination, with the Sudanese military attaché allegedly playing a leading role. This alleged plot was seen as an attempt by Sudan to signal its alliances to regional and international powers.
These events unfolded against a backdrop of escalating accusations. Sudan had previously alleged that Uganda was hosting US Marines, claims that the US embassy denied, attributing them to possible confusion with ongoing joint training programs. President Museveni had also publicly stated his readiness to confront Sudan over its support for the LRA since 1986.
Source By Daily Monitor
